Wednesday, 23 October 2013

1996 A full size Zanussi Washer/Dryer was installed IN the back cabin.

2013 Said full size Zanussi Washer/Dyer needed to be got OUT of back cabin as it had ‘given up the ghost’/gone ker-put/ had enough!

“Right,” said John, “both of us together, one each side and steady as we go.”

Tried to shift it, couldn’t even lift it – we was going nowhere and so we had another drink think:-

“Right,” said John, “ let’s try to tip it over, mind your fingers and be careful of your toes.”

After straining, heaving and complaining we was getting nowhere and so we had another drink think:-

“Right,” said John, “I’ll have to take the door off, we need more space so I’ll take the thing apart ….”

Had bad twinges taking off the hinges BUT we was getting somewhere and so ……………….

As well as the door and the hinges, off came the switches, drum, casing, motor, lid, hoses and wires and ………………. it was out in bits! The man at the tip was very impressed!

Nothing ever seems to be simple! There was no way it was going OUT in one piece! It must have been put IN in one piece before the door and slide of the back cabin were assembled around it!

So, thanks to shopping-on-line a new machine was ordered and two days later at 7.30 am (!!!!!!!!) it was delivered. This one, of course, could fit through the back door! BUT:- nothing is ever simple! The handle on the drum is in a different place from the old machine and means that the decorative wooden door and drawer that hides the machine now has to be modified. Something else for the skipper to sort out – just as well he has a full set of tools and is good with his hands!!

Changing the subject completely, yesterday we finally got to meet the crew of n/b Yarwood properly. This blogging lark is a funny old thing! When you follow other boater’s blogs you get to feel that you know people when you haven’t even met them! It was really good to put this right last night in the comfortable surroundings of The Red Lion. So, Lesley, Joe, Fletcher and Floyd and David and Lisa from n/b What aLark – thank you all for a lovely evening. Safe cruising to Welford today and, hopefully, we will see you again soon. xxoo

Sunday, 20 October 2013

Having had a lovely week at the seaside …………………. we are back on board in the marina. Back now to sorting out ‘stuff’!

It’s hard to believe that Lola had her operation only three weeks ago. She is now putting her foot down very gingerly but not putting any weight on it. We have been told that we need to keep her calm for 12 weeks so 9 still to go! Lola, on the other hand, is beginning to think that things are back to normal so it’s definitely going to be a challenge!! She too really seemed to enjoy her week away. It must be a complete mystery to her why she has to be on the lead all the time. Patience, Lola, patience!!

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

Worms Head – I was chuffed to see a pair of choughs here! (Birds like crows but they have red beaks and red legs and are quite rare. I tried to take a photo but I only had my humble little camera with me and it couldn’t cope! I may return …..)

15 days today since major surgery. That leg is a ‘Peaky Blinder’ haircut! Because her leg is pinned SHE thinks she’s now recovered so it’s quite hard trying to keep her calm. She’s just as quick on 3 legs as 4!!

Stunning.

Stunning.

Stunning.

Raven or Crow? Please help settle a dispute ……… Seen at Oxwich Bay Nature Reserve.

Invigorating the soul and replenishing the spirit. Yes, how lucky are we? xxoo

Saturday, 12 October 2013

Now I know it could be argued that our lives are just one long holiday – living on a boat and all that – but to mark my ‘coming of age’ I decided I wanted a seaside holiday. So, a while ago I did what I never do! I booked a cottage in Wales for a week!! “Oh”, I said to Lola, “you’re going to love it! Lots of lovely coastal walks, digging on the beach, waves to experience and seagulls to chase! Wonderful!”

And then – two weeks before departure, she goes and breaks her leg! It really didn’t look like it was going to happen but, against the odds, ….. we’re here!

Last Monday, stitches were taken out and between then and her next check up which was on the following Friday, the difference in her was remarkable! She wanted to play with her toys again and jump! NO JUMPING ALLOWED!! Anyway the vet said that short walks on the lead would be a good thing so …… here we are on The Gower! It was going to be a walking holiday ……. well, not now but the change of scene will be good for all of us.

Crossing the Severn Bridge. The water in the Channel looked so calm – calm enough for a narrowboat.

Gertie (our little old car) has been washed and given a stern talking to! Despite her age, she has to get us there, all around and all the way back again!!

I used to take my mum to South Wales regularly to see her remaining family. £6.20 for a car now!!

Bluebell Cottage is part of a converted barn. The setting is lovely. The cottage itself is lovely too. It seems that the other two cottages are empty this week so we’re on our own.

Well, the punk ducks on the pond will keep us company.

We saw one like this on the Ashby Canal. What’s going on? Here are a whole family!!

Lola was such a good girl for the journey. She was so excited when we got here. She’s not used to having so much room!! She, and us, are going to love all the beaches and the sunsets …………… Croesco xxoo

Thursday, 3 October 2013

Oh dear! I’m having such a miserable time! I’ve made a decision! I’m never going to try jumping up on that bed again!

I had my operation on Monday and my blue concrete wellie was exchanged for a more carbon-neutral affair – very green. I actually think the colour suited me better! It was very cumbersome though and soon started to slip. Going to the loo was extremely tricky!

That was taken off on Wednesday. The vet decided that it would be better to let some air get to my stitches but, of course, I then just wanted to nibble at them. NOT ALLOWED. Look at this stupid thing they are now making me wear. I HATE IT!!

This is to prevent me nibbling at these ………

Life is not very good for me at the moment!

I suppose things can only get better.

At least mum and dad are with me 24/7 so I must be grateful for small mercies.

About Me

My seduction by all things to do with narrowboats and narrow boating began about thirty years ago. It was probably brought about by watching "The River". David Essex has a lot to answer for!
Anyway, we spent several years hiring boats but, when our offspring no longer wanted to come and the cost of hiring was becoming more and more prohibitive, we changed our allegiance to camper vans instead and loved that too.
However, we never lost sight of the vision that one day we would own our own narrowboat and, in 2003, we bought "Ellen" who was then five years old. We have it on good authority that she is the last boat to have been built by Les Allen & Sons of Valencia Wharf.
In 2007 we did that crazy/radical thing of selling our house, giving up our jobs and becoming liveaboard boaters. Like many mature ladies,"Ellen" is not perfect and not always easy to handle but we love her and she's the only boat we will ever have.
When we set off we had ten years in mind but ..... who knows?